A group of volunteers cheering at an event. They are standing behind a green barrier. They are wearing green Macmillan tops and some are holding Macmillan branded cheering balloons.

Volunteering

There are many ways to get involved as a Macmillan volunteer. Whether it's minutes or months, hours or days, the time you give really does matter.

Find a volunteering role
Volunteering

There are many ways to get involved as a Macmillan volunteer. Whether it's minutes or months, hours or days, the time you give really does matter.

Find a volunteering role

Discover volunteering with Macmillan

With 3 million people in the UK now living with cancer, Macmillan's role has never been more crucial. Our volunteers are vital to helping us be there for people with cancer.
A Macmillan volunteer and another person are speaking to each other. The volunteer is wearing a green Macmillan top. A Macmillan volunteer and another person are speaking to each other. The volunteer is wearing a green Macmillan top.
How to volunteer
Learn about the different ways you can give your time, skills and experience to help people affected by cancer.
Jenny is sat at a table in the Macmillan Horizon Centre's café. She is wearing a green polo shirt and a green apron with the Macmillan logo on it. She appears to be talking to someone.Jenny is sat at a table in the Macmillan Horizon Centre's café. She is wearing a green polo shirt and a green apron with the Macmillan logo on it. She appears to be talking to someone.
Find a volunteering role
If you already know the type of role you’re looking for, or are looking to get started straight away, then you can search for a role in you area.
A photo of a man sitting at a table using a laptop.A photo of a man sitting at a table using a laptop.
Join an information session
We run regular online sessions where you can hear more about our roles and ask questions about volunteering.
Two people are sitting at a table and packing paper boxes. Both individuals are wearing a green top. The person on the left is reaching their arm across the table to grab something and is smiling. The person on the right is putting something into a box and is smiling.Two people are sitting at a table and packing paper boxes. Both individuals are wearing a green top. The person on the left is reaching their arm across the table to grab something and is smiling. The person on the right is putting something into a box and is smiling.
Resources for volunteers
Our resources include helpful information for volunteers like our handbook and information on how to talk to people about cancer.

Ways to get involved

We offer a broad range of roles, enabling you to take control of your volunteering and fit it around your life. Most of our roles are in one of the following areas:
A woman sitting at a table signing cardsA woman sitting at a table signing cards
Microvolunteering
Wherever you're based and however much time you can give, there are many simple ways you can volunteer your time for Macmillan.
Karen is sitting on a park bench. They are speaking on their mobile phone. They are wearing a red, white and black patterned coat and black trousers. Karen is sitting on a park bench. They are speaking on their mobile phone. They are wearing a red, white and black patterned coat and black trousers.
Macmillan Buddies

Macmillan Buddies provide support to people living with cancer by offering them weekly support by phone or video call.

Two Macmillan volunteers are talking to a person in a Costa. Both volunteers are wearing green Macmillan logo t-shirts and sashes. They are both holding green collection buckets. The person they are speaking to is wearing a dark blue top. Two Macmillan volunteers are talking to a person in a Costa. Both volunteers are wearing green Macmillan logo t-shirts and sashes. They are both holding green collection buckets. The person they are speaking to is wearing a dark blue top.
Fundraising volunteering
From helping at a collection to cheering on our brilliant fundraisers at an event, your time and support will help make a big difference. 
Sal is standing on a stage and is speaking into a microphone. She is wearing a dark purple hoodie and blue jeans. Behind Sal is a large screen with the words Sal's story on it. There is also a Macmillan branded banner. There is a crowd of people sitting and listening to Sal's story.Sal is standing on a stage and is speaking into a microphone. She is wearing a dark purple hoodie and blue jeans. Behind Sal is a large screen with the words Sal's story on it. There is also a Macmillan branded banner. There is a crowd of people sitting and listening to Sal's story.
Sharing your experience
By telling us about your experience of cancer, you can help us make sure that we support people living with cancer the right way. 
Browse all opportunities

Why volunteer for Macmillan?

A dark green lanyard on a light green background.
Different opportunities to suit you
Try something new or make use of your existing skills, in a way that works for you.
A dark green stationary pot on a light green background.
Gain new skills and experiences
Our volunteers learn more about their community and cancer, but also get to meet new people and make memories.
Illustration of a globe on a light green background.
Our volunteers make a difference
Macmillan volunteers gave over 100,000 hours of their time to support people living with cancer last year.
A dark rosette on a light green background.
We celebrate our volunteers
Throughout the year we celebrate the impact our volunteers make and say thanks for their support.
Discover the benefits of volunteering

Stories from our volunteers

Jez is a Macmillan volunteer. He is standing and holding a batch of letters in his hand with Macmillan branding on them. He is wearing a green Macmillan logo t-shirt and grey jeans. He appears to be in a home.

Jez, Macmillan Fundraising & Events volunteer

"I enjoy doing a lot for Macmillan and I’d say to other people thinking of becoming a volunteer, you can give as much time as you choose to. Some people volunteer once a year at our London Marathon cheerpoints, and some people are giving their time every week – every bit of volunteering is worthwhile."
Ravinder, a Macmillan volunteering ambassador. Ravinder is wearing a red top and standing in front of trees.

Ravinder, Macmillan volunteer ambassador

"The voluntary work I’m doing with Macmillan gives me huge satisfaction. I go out into the Asian community and give awareness talks. I go and support ladies who are facing cancer now. It’s nice to see someone who’s been affected by cancer with a smile on their face. That’s my reward."
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Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Our vision is to develop a diverse and inclusive volunteering culture that empowers and enables all people to be their best when giving time, energy and experience.

We are interested in learning about how we can be more inclusive. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please email us at VolunteerVoiceNetwork@macmillan.org.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to our frequently asked questions below.
  • What will I need to provide when applying to or accepting a volunteer role?
  • I can’t find a suitable role. Am I still able to help? 
  • Can I claim expenses?
  • I have had a cancer experience and would like to volunteer. How long should I wait?
  • My company encourages me to volunteer. Can you help?
  • What if I have a criminal record?
  • How can I prove I'm a volunteer if someone asks?
View all FAQs